Beginning with bittersweet tones, Re:O‘s 10th single Reverie signals the dawn of a new era for Re:O. Reverie portrays the story of missing someone you shared every moment after they are gone. Those who once spent time with us eventually disappear from your sight as time goes by, like snow falling on your hand, without a trace. The fragile snow, even when it piles up, will eventually melt away. In the same way, human connections are breakable and bound to fade.
Trance metal figureheads Blood Stain Child are back with new music with the brand new single ‘Generator‘.
Known for their fusion of melodic death metal and electronic dance music, the new track ticks all my vibe check boxes that fans know and love. Written by guitarist Ryu with lyrics by lead vocalist Sadew, the track kicks off with precise guitar riffs and layered synths. Moving along with gusto, Sadew brings his mix of clean and harsh vocals with signature aggression and range.
Guest vocalist TanTan features alongside Sadew in the chorus with a catchy upbeat melody that I really enjoyed before a short solo passage, her clean upper range works well amongst the heavy guitar and bass. Known for their heavy but euphoric build ups, ‘Generator‘ is no different, with an atmospheric rise into an electronic breakdown. Focused riffage from G.S.R, driving bass from Ryo and an energetic Yasu on drums, before following through into an impeccable Ryu guitar solo.
‘Generator‘ is a melodic metal electronic mix that shows off the talent of all the members. It has a raw feel that’s not overly polished for a studio track. There’s a nostalgic feel that takes me back to the Mozaiq era of Blood Stain Child, it makes me excited for the new album.
Overall, ‘Generator‘ is a solid addition to the bands roster, one that will hype up any live crowd. Now can we international fans all pray for a live show outside of Japan soon? We can only hope!
Returning to their darker roots in their much-anticipated 9th single release, Japanese-British Metal x Darkpop band Re:O have brought us Crimson Desire, a powerful track that explores the realisation that what you have is not enough despite the fact that you sacrificed most of your life to get where you are.
Released on August 13th, 2025 on various streaming platforms, Crimson Desire continues to showcase Re:O’s versatility as musicians in this powerful addition to their discography that aims to blend aggressive instrumentation with harmonious vocals, and pivots from the groups usual signature blend of Japanese styled synths.
After tapping into their darker side in their previous single, The Haunted, Re:O have since returned with their 8th single, Violets, which explores the depths of grief and combines Re:O’s signature blend of metal riffs with sombre and harrowing melodies and synthonic instrumentation.
Set to release on all streaming platforms from April 9th, 2025, Violets is a song that will captivate listeners through its mesmerising vocals, haunting piano melodies and its use of sombre and harrowing melodies that perfectly capture the feeling of grief and pain. For fans of Alternative Metal, Industrial Metal, Metalcore, Goth, J-Pop, Dark Pop, Nu-Metal, Post Hardcore and Rock, Violets is sure to bewitch both seasoned and new listeners of Re:O’s music.
*All images used within this post have been sourced from @gcib_official on Twitter.
Since unveiling their brand new line-up back in June of this year, idol group GCiB have started making waves the social media platform Twitter (otherwise known as X). With a mission to grow their fanbase both nationally and internationally, the group have begun posting in both Japanese and English while also promoting their latest releases, Suki ni nare! and Aishite, both of which have been teased on social media ahead of their release.
Originally making their debut in February 2022, GCiB โ originally known as Girls Crying in Bathroom โ is a girls’ dance and vocal group that wish to go beyond the mere cuteness we expect from idols and express their strength, fragility and versatility through their music. With a major line-up change in the last quarter of 2023, the group has since returned to the idol scene as a 5-member unit from June of this year.
Comprised of original members Suzuki Nanaka and SuzukiMinami, as well as new members Aicha, Kosaka Momono and Isshiki Hanane, GCiB have now made their re-debut with two new tracks that are sure to entice fans both old and new into their unique worldview.
Re:O are back with their brand new single Ronin. With their dark and infectious blend of metal and dark pop, this track is ready to set the world ablaze.
Ronin is the 5th single to be released by Re:O. A high energy, blood pumping and aggressive anthem that combines metal with a fresh blend of J-Pop and dark pop tones. Symphonic ambience and dissonance creates a surreal and ambitious soundscape that will captivate any fan of metal, metalcore, and nu metal to post hardcore and rock, leaving them wanting more!
With a new member set to debut this month, the dawn of a new era is ready to begin for Satanic Punish. Featuring past singles Propaganda of the Rising Sun (2022) and Across the Future (Beyond 2049) (2023), as well as one new track, metaverse, the mini-album that is Ezekiel is here to take us into the future of Satanic Punish, all while respecting the history of its former members.
After what seems like forever, BABYMETAL have returned bigger and better with their new concept album The Other One. Just Panda gives her professional kitsune opinion on the new release.
One of the things I like most about Idol music, is that it is varied in its sound, and there is something out there for everyone. Whether it is a pop-rock tune or a smooth groove that hits the sweet spot, Idol music is a mixed basket of delight, and the gift that keeps on giving.
Yet I think we sometimes forget that J-pop is more than the ‘pop’ that its name eludes to. When we look at the word ‘pop’ – myself included – we consider it to be generic in sound, bubblegum to its core and the most sugar-coated tune to ever grace our ears, when it is anything but. Sometimes, we simply have to remind ourselves that J-pop as a genre has layers, much like onions (or an ogre named Shrek).
In this ever-growing world of Idols and music, it comes as no surprise that there are new groups to discover at every turn. Whether they are downright cute or ready to blow your brains out with their vicious death growls, there will always be something there for us to discover as we walk down this path as Japanese music fans.
In my most recent ventures on YouTube, I happened to stumble upon Mugen no Plume by pure chance, and was pleased to realise that they are right up my alley in regard to their sound and style. Cute and orthodox in every sense of the word, I’m aware that this group won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but they are right up my alley in regard to their sound and style.
So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I have found myself almost instantly enamoured with the group. Yes, I will still hold a candle toward the NECRONOMIDOL’s (R.I.P) and Satanic Punishes within this world, but there is something about the glittering lights and pastel dresses that inspires me as a fan and listener.
And boy oh boy, don’t I feel motivated right now thanks to this group and their adorable music! So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty, and talk about Mugen no Plume and their debut mini-album.
Beyond Senpai 